Deputy, 41, Loses Fight With Disease

DELAND — Larry W. Owens, a Lake County deputy sheriff, died at a DeLand hospital early Thursday after a long bout with Hodgkin's disease. He was 41.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their 4-year-old daughter, Katherine.

Owens came to the Lake County Sheriff's Department in December 1981. He previously worked for eight years with the Volusia County Department of Corrections and two years with the DeLand Police Department.

Lake County deputies wore black bands around their badges Thursday in rememberance of Owens, whom sheriff's spokesman Chris Giachetti called ''a very good deputy, very well-liked by everyone in the department. His file is full of commendations and thank-you letters from citizens.''

Sheriff's Maj. Wayne Allen said Owens first learned about the disease -- a form of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system -- last fall. Despite recommendations from his doctor that he take a leave of absence, Owens insisted on working, Allen said.

''Larry felt like he didn't want to just sit around,'' Allen said. ''I would characterize him as a scrapper. He would never give up.''

Owens kept his job as an intake officer until about 30 days ago, Allen said. He entered the hospital on June 17 when his condition worsened.

Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Lankford Chapel, 220 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Burial services will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, also in DeLand.

Taps will be played and a color guard and rifle team will attend the funeral, Giachetti said.